The mass tort attorneys at Edward Bernstein & Associates are currently handling claims in Nevada and across the nation from those diagnosed with a uterine cancer following the use of chemical hair straightening products.
If the cancer-causing chemicals in these hair treatments injured you or someone you love, you may obtain compensation from the manufacturer through a mass tort lawsuit. Contact our skilled defective product lawyer at Ed Bernstein & Associates today to learn about your legal options.
Chemical Hair Straightener Uterine Cancer Lawsuits Guide
- Hair Relaxers and Ovarian Cancer
- The Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit Multidistrict Litigation
- Hair Straighteners and Relaxers May Contain Hormonal Disruptors
- Uterine and Ovarian Cancer Can Take a Devastating Toll
- Compensation for a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
Hair Straightening Products and Uterine Cancer
Research conducted by the NIH and published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute uncovered a heightened risk of uterine cancer among those who use chemical hair straightening or relaxers. People who use these products on a regular basis are more than twice as likely to develop uterine cancer compared to the general public. Black women, who frequently use hair-relaxing products, were the most affected by this risk.
Recent studies show what makes Black women disproportionately prone to develop uterine cancer.
The ingredients commonly used in hair relaxers, such as sodium hydroxide or calcium hydroxide, can damage the skin and scalp. Over time, they may lead to irritation, inflammation, and scarring. Some studies have suggested that the scalp could absorb these chemicals and potentially harm to the body, including increased rates of uterine cancer.
Hair Relaxers and Ovarian Cancer
Another cancer associated with chemical hair relaxer products is ovarian cancer. Some studies have found that African American women who use hair relaxers may have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to women who do not use these products.
Several studies have reported a possible association between the use of hair relaxers and an increased risk of ovarian cancer, particularly among African American women. One 2022 study found that women who reported using hair relaxers had a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer compared to those who did not use these products. The study suggested that the risk of ovarian cancer increased with the frequency and duration of hair relaxer use.
Another study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute also reported a positive association between the use of hair relaxers and ovarian cancer risk, particularly among African American women. The authors suggested that the scalp may absorb the chemicals in hair relaxers and lead to inflammation, DNA damage, and ultimately an increased risk of ovarian cancer.
The Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuit Multidistrict Litigation
As of February 2023, the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation has elected to approve multidistrict litigation against the manufacturers of hair relaxing products.
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois will consolidate dozens of lawsuits filed already to expedite the cases. The Honorable Judge Mary M. Rowland will oversee the pre-trial phases of this litigation, including assigning duties to other parties.
The defendants who responded to this motion include:
- L’Oréal USA, Inc.
- L’Oréal USA Products, Inc.
- SoftSheen-Carson LLC, and SoftSheen-Carson (W.I.), Inc.
- Dabur International Ltd. and Namasté Laboratories, LLC
- Strength of Nature, LLC
- Strength of Nature Global, LLC
- Godrej SON Holdings, Inc.
- House of Cheatham
We anticipate that this multidistrict hair relaxer litigation will consolidate many more cases in the coming months. Our attorneys are keeping a close eye on the developments of these claims, and are currently accepting cases from those who have developed cancer because of these manufacturers’ products.
Hair Straighteners and Relaxers May Contain Hormonal Disruptors
An endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) can interfere with the normal functioning of the endocrine system, which produces and regulates hormones in the body. EDCs can mimic, block, or alter the action of natural hormones in the body, potentially leading to a wide range of adverse health effects.
Hair relaxers may contain various endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including:
- Phthalates: These are a group of chemicals used as solvents and plasticizers in many consumer products, including hair relaxers. Phthalates have been linked to endocrine disruption, particularly affecting hormone levels and reproductive function.
- Parabens: These are a class of preservatives used in personal care products, including hair relaxers, to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. Parabens have been found to mimic the activity of estrogen in the body and may disrupt hormone signaling.
- Formaldehyde: This chemical is used in some hair relaxers as a preservative to straighten the hair. Formaldehyde has been linked to cancer and other health effects, and its use is regulated in some countries.
- Toluene: This is a solvent used in some hair relaxers. It is linked to developmental and reproductive toxicity and neurological effects.
- Lead: Some hair relaxers may contain lead, which has been linked to developmental and reproductive toxicity and neurological effects.
- Triclosan: This antimicrobial agent is used in some hair relaxers and is linked to endocrine disruption. It may contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Uterine and Ovarian Cancer Can Take a Devastating Toll
Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, is cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium. It is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system.
The most common symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause, but other symptoms may include pelvic pain or pressure, difficulty urinating, or pain during sexual activity. Treatment for uterine cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy, depending on the stage and extent of its progression.
Ovarian cancer, on the other hand, develops in the ovaries, which produce eggs and female hormones. Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cancer in women and is often referred to as the silent killer because it is hard to detect in its early stages.
Ovarian cancer symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, and feeling full quickly, but these vague symptoms can resemble other conditions. Treatment for ovarian cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these approaches.
Both uterine and ovarian cancers can kill, especially when not detected and treated early. Regular gynecological exams and other screening tests can detect these cancers early and improve the chances of successful treatment.
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with uterine cancer or cancer of the reproductive organs following the use of chemical hair straightening products, you deserve to know your right to compensation. While no settlement can take away the pain and difficulties you have faced due to your illness, the compensation you obtain through a personal injury claim could compensate you for your many damages.
Compensation for a Hair Relaxer Lawsuit
The compensation you may receive in a chemical hair relaxer lawsuit can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case, the severity of your injuries, and the strength of the evidence linking your injuries to the use of the hair relaxer product.
In general, compensation in a lawsuit related to hair relaxers may include:
- Medical expenses: This can include reimbursement for past and future medical expenses related to the injuries you suffered from using a hair relaxer product.
- Lost income: If your injuries prevented you from working or caused you to miss work, you may recover compensation for your lost earnings.
- Pain and suffering: This refers to the physical and emotional pain and suffering you experienced because of your injuries.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish the manufacturer of the hair relaxer product for their gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
An experienced mass tort lawyer at Ed Bernstein and Associates can accurately represent your damages in your claim and maximize the compensation you receive from a hair relaxer lawsuit.
How Our Experienced Trial Lawyers Can Help Your Claim
If chemical hair straighteners harmed you and you now face a cancer diagnosis, you need a strong legal advocate. A mass tort lawyer at Edward Bernstein & Associates can file your personal injury claim for product liability.
Legal Expertise
Our mass tort lawyers handle large claims involving multiple plaintiffs and defendants. They have extensive experience in navigating the complex legal and procedural aspects of such cases and know the various state and federal laws governing product liability claims. They will handle your claim properly and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Investigation and Evidence
In a product liability case, you need a lawyer who can establish that the product was defective or dangerous and that this defect or danger caused your injuries. Our mass tort lawyers can work with experts to investigate the product and gather evidence that supports your claim. This may involve analyzing product design and manufacturing processes, reviewing safety testing and inspection records, and interviewing witnesses.
Negotiation and Settlement
Our mass tort lawyers have experience negotiating with defendants and their insurers to reach fair settlements for their clients. They understand the tactics used by insurance companies and can ensure that you do not accept a settlement for less than you deserve.
Trial Representation
If your case goes to trial, our mass tort lawyers can provide skilled representation and advocacy for you. They can present evidence and arguments that support your case, cross-examine witnesses, and appeal to the judge or jury for a favorable verdict.
Overall, a mass tort lawyer at Ed Bernstein & Associates can navigate the complexities of your personal injury claim for product liability. By working with a lawyer with experience in handling these cases, you increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and other losses.
Contact Edward Bernstein & Associates to Help Your Claim
At Edward Bernstein & Associates, our personal injury attorneys have decades of experience and include nationally recognized trial lawyers. We are committed to providing excellent service and attention to injured victims and will stop at nothing to ensure that we protect your rights and that you obtain the compensation you deserve. Call Ed Bernstein & Associates today at (702) 508-7334 or contact us online for your free consultation and case evaluation.